Student Scientific Conferences as a Own Research Path

Neviana Petkova^ORCID

Researcher at Angel Kanchev University of Ruse, Bulgaria

^*Corresponding Author: Neviana Petkova, Researcher at Angel Kanchev University of Ruse, Bulgaria.

Received: 10 June 2026; Accepted: 19 June 2026; Published: 22 June 2026

Introduction

This report presents a problem from the scientific research field. It is associated with a large dose of creative activity on the part of adolescents, but it is always purposeful, thorough and self-initiative. It is an indispensable part of the modern educational system.

The goal is to present a synthesized and overview of the issue of student scientific conferences as a way of their own research, discovery and development in adolescent students.

The main tasks on the way to the goal are:

1. To illustrate the scientific and theoretical formulation of the problem.
2. To propose a methodological toolkit for conducting future research.
3. To present information refracted through the prism of the author's point of view.

Student scientific conferences are a particularly promising platform for the innate enthusiasm of modern adolescents. In addition, they feel significant and valued. The awareness of the importance of scientific conferences for the life and professional path is a key element for increasing the motivation and active participation of adolescents in scientific forums. Having become traditional, scientific youth forums are a driving force in the process of self-evaluation. They celebrate events, personalities, initiatives, spheres of realization, important historical dates. In this way, they leave their mark and make their contribution to the development of science. Categorized into separate sections and directions, scientific forums are already well integrated with established long-standing traditions. They are broadcast by educational institutions and are distributed publicly primarily in an electronic environment in order to gain popularization and audibility from the respective audience for which they are intended. Limited in scope (thematic and chronological), youth forums are specifically and practically oriented. Always topically oriented, according to the age needs and interests of students, they help in the final shaping and construction of their thought processes and are a particular predicate for their future orientation in realization [2]. Regulations for participation in youth science forums usually include the following mandatory parameters:

• form of participation;
• thematic direction;
• organizational requirements;
• technical requirements;
• appointment of a supervisor/mentor/scientific consultant for preparation, presentation and writing of the scientific work;
• program model;
• requirements for the layout of the scientific work;
• language of conduct;
• evaluation criteria;
• awards/prize fund;
• participation deadlines;
• public participation and presentation of the scientific work;
• contact information;
• filling out an application for participation;
• formation of an independent topic for a project, report, presentation, essay, etc.;
• preparation of materials for presentation/presentation [3].

Youth scientific conferences awaken the creative impulse in adolescents. They encourage them to self-study and study the world around them. They are especially indicative of the level of proficiency in linguistic and literary culture. They deeply present the research searches, hesitations and questions of the students, growing into in-depth scientific works. They open up issues such as piety towards truth, humanity and duty towards society and national identification. By examining a vast scientific space, the students have the opportunity to establish their own cultural, personal and future professional affiliation. They discover universal human values and master the professional precision of the scientist. They stimulate interest in search and research. They provoke debates on socially significant and key problems of modernity. In-depth knowledge, conscious reflection, discovery of inspiration in values and worth are invariable positive aspects suggested in the students [4].

Table 1: Scientific conferences for students – benefits [5].

When preparing the scientific work for a conference, the students are particularly responsible and engaged. They devote the necessary time to build a good development at a high professional level. In doing so, they comply with certain requirements, as dictated by project-based learning and project preparation, such as:

• purpose of the scientific work/project;
• allowed tools, sources, materials;
• rules and requirements;
• shaping of structural and thematic content;
• following a sequence of steps/stages/phases;
• familiarization with a detailed work manual;
• digital applications;
• ethical considerations;
• format and printing;
• detailed familiarization with the evaluation criteria;
• control and monitoring of the scientific work before submission;
• self-reflection [6].

EXAMPLE REPORT ON THE TOPIC IN HISTORY FOR 9TH GRADE “FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS AS A HISTORICAL SOURCE”

Main program: Microsoft Word.

Deadline: 2 weeks.

Fieldwork: individual.

Main goal: Students to select and analyze family photographs as a type of historical source and to connect the personal history of their family with the broader historical, economic and social processes of Bulgarian and world history.

Main tasks:

1. To structure the content of the report: introduction, collection of materials, interviewing, development of family history, historical analysis, final product.
2. Students to carry out search and research activities.
3. Students to prepare a questionnaire and conduct a kind of interview.
4. Students should carefully follow and research the historical events from the time of the photographs.
5. Students should write their research work on a short but detailed report.
6. Students should prepare a short presentation for the report, with which they should present/illustrate it in the best light.

Main components:

- characteristics of the photograph – who/what it depicts, when it was taken, identification of objects and subjects;

- information about historical figures and events related to the photographic material – information carrier from the interview;

- historical context – parallel with a historical event, process, person;

- comparative characteristics – discovery of similarities and differences;

- conclusions – how history suggests the personal life of society.

Evaluation criteria:

- selection and analysis of the photographs;

- interviewing and investigative activity;

- historical parallel;

- layout of the final product.

Expected results and positive aspects of preparing the report:

- students to develop critical thinking and visualization skills;

- students to acquire in-depth journalistic skills;

- students to develop skills for interpreting and synthesizing information;

- students to acquire skills for making historical parallels;

- students to develop good organizational, coordination and presentation skills.

Student’s name:……………………… years:……….………………………

Date: from……................... to……….. year……………………….……......

Table 2: Students' attitude towards scientific conferences (sample questionnaire for conducting a survey) [7].

Scientific conferences for students are a special predicate for the future revision of students. To a large extent, they predetermine the professional field of adolescents. They include them in communities, with the help of which they develop good communicative and social skills. Thanks to scientific forums, students learn to correctly express their emotions and thoughts, as well as to defend their opinions. Students, being children, offer a different perspective on topics, problems, and ideas. This makes science particularly fascinating [8].

References

1. Petkova N. Writing a scientific paper - modern educational trends and challenges. Collection of reports from the annual university scientific conference at the National University "Vasil Levski", Veliko Tarnovo (2025): 55-62.
2. Rasheva-Merdzhanova Y. Values, rituals, education - from approach to instrument. University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia (2024).
3. Pancheva Y. Children's Wisdom Academic and Applied Research. University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia (2023).
4. Rasheva-Merdzhanova Y. Synergetic philosophy. Synergetic natural pedagogy. Synergistic Education. St. Kliment Ohridski University, Sofia (2025).
5. Bizhkov G. Thesis is not an easy job, but with a computer and the Internet. St. Kliment Ohridski University, Sofia (2002).
6. Bizhkov G. Methodology and methods of pedagogical research. Askoni-Izdat Publishing House, Sofia (1999).
7. Yankulova Y. Emotions and self-regulation of learning. Paradigma Publishing House, Sofia (2016).
8. Hancheva K. Mentalization and early stages of socio-emotional development. St. Kliment Ohridski University, Sofia (2019).